Players battle it out in summer Shakespeare production
The World’s A Stage Players will perform an abridged version of “Henry IV, Part I” beginning on July 26.
What are the consequences of usurping a ruler’s authority?
Shakespeare explores this timeless question in “Henry IV, Part I.” In the play, written in 1596-1597, young military leader Harry Percy, nicknamed Hotspur for his quick temper, incites a rebellion against his former ally, King Henry.
The King and his son, Prince Hal, go to battle to stop him.
The World’s A Stage Players will perform an abridged version of “Henry IV, Part I” this summer on the Acton Free Public Library lawn, at 51 Walden Street Performing Arts Center, and in Maynard and Newton. Performances begin on July 27.
Director Mike Haddad of Wilmington, a Players steering committee member, says he likes staging the Bard’s lesser-performed works. The troupe “is committed to telling the story we affectionately refer to as ‘the Henriad’” — the informal term for the series of Shakespearean plays chronicling the rise of the British monarchy.
Haddad wears another hat this summer as he steps into the role of Falstaff. Though technically a knight, Falstaff is lazy, selfish, corrupt, thieving, manipulative, boastful, and lecherous — and perhaps the most popular of all of Shakespeare’s comic characters.
A ‘brilliant’ history
Shakespeare’s histories “are every bit as brilliant as the most acclaimed tragedies in terms of character, language, and memorable scenes,” says Ed Bernard of Acton, a steering committee member. Bernard plays Westmorland, a close companion and ally of King Henry.
Two years ago, Haddad directed the Players in a production of “Richard II,” which “started the story,” he says, by depicting Richard giving up his crown to Henry Bolingbroke, who becomes Henry IV. In this season’s play, the Percy family challenges Henry’s rule.
The other main players in this summer’s production are Tofer Carlson of Billerica as King Henry; Nick Meunier of Derry, New Hampshire, as Hotspur; Alex Wersted of South Hamilton as Prince Hal; Savannah Carlson of Newburyport as Lady Percy; Andrew Harrington of Newton as Worcester; Julian Willard of Marlborough as Blunt; Darin Kimball of Boxborough as Northumberland; Ben Martin of Dracut as Douglas; Jasmine Hall of Newton as Poins; Beth Nolan Connors of Bolton as Bardolph; Kathleen O’Connor of Ayer as Mistress Quickly; Mack Carroll of Arlington as Prince John; and Hannah Clifford of Medford as Peto.
The play will be staged in authentic period costumes, though “we don’t go overboard,” Bernard says, “as it can be hot — and the regular Acton Players costumers take a well-deserved break in the summer.”
The World’s A Stage Players have been performing since 2012. Over the years, they have added acting workshops and events such as a celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday held this past April. Previously offering only summer productions, the group staged its first winter production, “Macbeth,” last winter.
Over the next few years, the Players plan to present the next chapters of “the Henriad,” culminating with Richard III, who plays a traveler Falstaff robs in “Henry IV, Part I,” says Haddad.
“As a company,” he says, “we have a unique opportunity to tell this epic saga and provide context and continuity for our audience.”
“Henry IV, Part I” will be presented on July 26 and 27 and August 2 and 3 at 5 p.m. on the Acton Free Public Library lawn at 129 Main Street and indoors on August 1 at 7 p.m. at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center, with additional performances in Maynard and Newton. All shows are free. The troupe sets up chairs on the library steps, and viewers can bring chairs or blankets to place on the grass. If it rains, the library lawn performances move to 51 Walden. Visit concordplayers.org for more information.
